The name Bethany, derived from the Greek name Bethania, has a rich history and multiple layers of significance. Originating from the Hebrew or Aramaic words for "house of affliction" or "house of figs," it is a feminine given name that has been used in the English-speaking world since the 19th century. This name is particularly significant due to its biblical roots, as it is associated with the village near Jerusalem where Jesus spent Holy Week and where Lazarus lived with his sisters Mary and Martha. The name gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, peaking in 1987 as the 87th most common girl’s name in the United States. Although its popularity has declined, it remains a unique and meaningful name, often chosen by Catholics in honor of Mary of Bethany.
